Poem on Lanzhou - Xing Tong

A fine example of late Ming Dynasty calligraphy by Xing Tong, featuring fluid running script on gold-flecked paper.

This work by Xing Tong (1551-1612) exemplifies the refined tradition of Chinese fan calligraphy during the late Ming Dynasty. Executed in ink on gold-flecked paper, the piece displays the artist's mastery of the running script (xingshu). The characters are arranged with a rhythmic flow that accommodates the physical constraints of the fan format, demonstrating a balance between individual character structure and the overall composition of the text.

Xing Tong was a prominent scholar-official and calligrapher, known for his study of classical models, particularly the works of Wang Xizhi. His approach to the brush is characterised by a fluid, confident movement that maintains a consistent weight while allowing for subtle variations in pressure. The text itself serves as a poetic reflection on Lanzhou, capturing the atmosphere of the region through the deliberate, measured placement of each column of characters. The presence of red seal impressions provides a visual counterpoint to the black ink, grounding the composition and indicating the work's provenance as a collector's item.

In the context of Ming Dynasty art, the fan was a popular medium for social exchange and personal expression among the literati. These objects were often kept for private contemplation or shared among peers. The choice of gold-flecked paper adds a layer of material luxury, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the period. This print captures the texture of the original paper and the precise, expressive nature of the ink strokes, offering a clear view of the calligraphic technique. It is a study in the harmony of text and form, where the meaning of the poem and the visual grace of the characters are unified.